View source for XMODS

'''XMODS''' were 1:28 scale electric [[radio-controlled car]]s. Originally invented by Nobuaki Ogihara in Japan, XMODS were released with several body styles over multiple generations.<ref>[https://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?PageNum=0&docid=07128634&IDKey=22833F47F8F7&HomeUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fpatft.uspto.gov%2Fnetacgi%2Fnph-Parser%3FSect1%3DPTO2%2526Sect2%3DHITOFF%2526p%3D1%2526u%3D%25252Fnetahtml%25252FPTO%25252Fsearch-bool.html%2526r%3D1%2526f%3DG%2526l%3D50%2526co1%3DAND%2526d%3DPTXT%2526s1%3D7128634.PN.%2526OS%3DPN%2F7128634%2526RS%3DPN%2F7128634 Original US Patent for XMODS]</ref>  Due to the popularity of [[Car_tuning | tuner culture]] in the early to mid 2000's, the cars' primary marketing focus was on customization.  This was reflected by the various first party body kits and upgrades released with XMODS.  The cars were distributed by [[RadioShack]] in the United States, by Hobby Products International (HPI Racing) in Japan, Mirage RC in the U.K. (Distributor of HPI Products in the U.K.), and by Carson Modellsport (Subdivision of [[Tamiya Corporation|Tamiya]] Germany) in Europe.
[[Image:Skyline Pictures 012.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Nissan Skyline]] with available [[body kit]].]]
==Models==
===XMODS Generation 1===
The original, first-generation XMODS were released in the Fall of 2003, featuring semi-proportional steering and modular construction enabling parts to be swapped. Eleven body styles were released with several colors and a body exclusive to Europe and Asia.
For XMODS released through RadioShack and HPI, each car came with a mini-magazine ([[Super Street]] for the Japanese models and [[Hot Rod (magazine)|Hot Rod]] for the American models), featuring write-ups on selected models and upgrade accessories.
'''1999 [[Nissan Skyline GT-R#5th generation .281999.E2.80.932002.29|Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V.spec]]'''
* Yellow
* Black
* Blue (Available only in Europe and Asia through Carson and HPI respectively.<ref>[http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68805_01.jpg HPI - Nissan Skyline GT-R R34] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314205751/http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68805_01.jpg |date=2016-03-14 }}</ref>)
'''1997 [[Toyota Supra#Mark IV (1993–2002)|Toyota Supra]]'''
* Red
* White
'''2000 [[Honda Civic Si#1996–2000|Honda Civic Si]] Coupe'''
* Blue
* Black
'''2003 [[Honda Integra (fourth generation)|Acura RSX]]'''
''Released as the Honda Integra in non-U.S. Markets''
* Silver
'''2004 [[Honda NSX#.22Facelifted.22 NSX .28worldwide.29|Acura NSX]]'''
''Released as the Honda NSX in non-U.S. Markets''
* Yellow
* White (Available only in Europe and Asia through Carson and HPI respectively.<ref>[http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68808_01.jpg HPI - Honda NSX] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314205753/http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68808_01.jpg |date=2016-03-14 }}</ref>)
'''2004 [[Nissan 350Z]]'''
* Copper
* Silver (Available only in Europe and Asia through Carson and HPI respectively<ref>[http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68807_01.jpg HPI - Nissan Fairlady Z] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314205754/http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68807_01.jpg |date=2016-03-14 }}</ref>)
'''2003 [[Chevrolet Corvette C5]]'''
* Silver
'''1967 [[Chevrolet Camaro (first generation)|Chevrolet Camaro]]'''
* Red
'''1965 [[First-generation Ford Mustang|Ford Mustang]] Fastback'''
* Light Blue
'''2004 [[Subaru Impreza#WRX & WRX STI|Subaru Impreza WRX STI]]'''
* Blue
* White (Available only in Asia through HPI<ref>[http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68806_01.jpg - Subaru Impreza WRX STI (white)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314205755/http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68806_01.jpg |date=2016-03-14 }}</ref>)
* Orange Super Taikyu HPI Racing (Available only in the UK and Asia through Mirage and HPI respectively<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060615214347/http://www.xmods.uk.com/index1.htm - Subaru Impreza WRX STI (XMODS UK)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615214347/http://www.xmods.uk.com/index1.htm |date=2006-06-15 }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160314205757/http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68801_01.jpg - Subaru Impreza WRX STI (HPI Racing)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314205757/http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68801_01.jpg |date=2016-03-14 }}</ref>)
* Yellow Super Taikyu Fujitsubo Racing (Available only in the U.K. and Asia through Mirage RC and HPI respectively<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://xmods.uk.com/parts_main.htm |title=- XMODS U.K. Webpage |access-date=2021-09-12 |archive-date=2009-07-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717090813/http://www.xmods.uk.com/parts_main.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68804_01.jpg - Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Fujitsubo Racing)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314205758/http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68804_01.jpg |date=2016-03-14 }}</ref>)
'''2004 [[Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren]]'''
* Silver (Available only in Europe and Asia through Carson and HPI respectively<ref>[http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68803_01.jpg HPI - Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314205800/http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/parts/w_68803_01.jpg |date=2016-03-14 }}</ref>)
In addition to body kits for the models above, other body shells were available separately. These came with matching body kits, controller steering wheels, and compatible drive shafts.
'''1997 [[Toyota Supra#Mark IV (1993–2002)|Toyota Supra]]'''
* Silver
'''2003 [[Honda Integra (fourth generation)|Acura RSX]]'''
''Released as the Honda Integra in non-U.S. Markets''
* Black
'''2004 [[Ford Mustang Cobra#2003.E2.80.932004|Ford Mustang Cobra]]'''
* Red
===XMODS Evolution===
[[Image:Xmodsscion.JPG|thumb|150px|Stock silver [[Scion tC]]]]
[[Image:Xmodssciontcwildbodykit.JPG|thumb|150px|Silver [[Scion tC]] with retired Wild Body kit inspired by Five Axis]]
[[Image:Xmodsnissantitan.JPG|thumb|150px|Red [[Nissan Titan]] with retired Off-Road Kit]]
The XMODS Evolution models were released in the Autumn of 2005 with substantial construction differences when compared to the previous XMODS Generation 1 generation:
* The electronics were vastly improved, with one main board compared versus two for the Generation 1 chassis.
* The motor was mounted transversely in contrast to Generation 1's longitudinal layout.
* The battery housing was moved to the bottom for better weight distribution.
* Suspension design was revamped.
* The servo housing was integrated into the chassis.
* New body clip system that no longer required a locking mechanism on the chassis.
* A new truck chassis was released that provided more ground clearance and an articulating chassis.
Despite these differences, it was still possible to swap bodies wheels between the Evolution and Generation 1 cars.  Some models sold outside the U.S. by Carson and HPI featured repainted Generation 1 bodies.  Like the previous generation models, each XMODS Evolution car came with a [[Super Street]] (Japanese models) or [[Hot Rod (magazine)|Hot Rod]] (American models) mini-magazine. Truck models had a [[Truckin' Magazine|Truckin']] mini-magazine.  The XMODS Evolution generation was eventually discontinued in mid-2007.
'''1967 [[Pontiac Firebird#First generation|Pontiac Firebird]]'''
* Purple
'''2006 [[Fifth-generation Ford Mustang|Ford Mustang]]'''
* Dark Blue
'''2005 [[Infiniti G35#Third generation (V35, 2003–2006)|Infiniti G35]]'''
* Red
'''2006 [[Scion tC]]'''
* Silver
'''2004 [[Mitsubishi_Lancer_Evolution#Evolution_VIII|Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII]]'''
* Gray
'''2005 [[Ford F-150#Eleventh generation .282004.E2.80.932008.29|Ford F-150]]'''
* Orange
'''2006 [[Nissan Titan]]'''
* Red
'''2004 [[Hummer H2]]'''
* Black
* Yellow (Available only in Europe through Carson)
* Red (Available only in Europe through Carson)
'''2003 [[Porsche Cayenne#Cayenne_Turbo_and_Turbo_S|Porsche Cayenne Turbo]]'''
* Black (Available only in Europe through Carson)
* White (Available only in Europe through Carson)
* Silver (Available only in Europe through Carson)
'''1999 [[Nissan Skyline GT-R#5th generation .281999.E2.80.932002.29|Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V.spec]]'''
* Silver (Available only in Europe through Carson)
'''1967 [[Chevrolet Camaro (first generation)|Chevrolet Camaro]]'''
* Orange (Available only in Europe through Carson)
'''1965 [[First-generation Ford Mustang|Ford Mustang]] Coupe'''
* Dark Blue (Available only in Europe through Carson)
'''2004 [[Nissan 350Z]]'''
* Blue version (Available only in Europe through Carson)
In addition to body kits for the models above, the following body shells were available separately. With the exception of the lexan bodies, they came with a body kit, controller steering wheel, and compatible chassis extension piece.
'''2005 [[Ford F-150#Eleventh generation .282004.E2.80.932008.29|Ford F-150]]'''
* Blue
'''2006 [[BMW 3 Series (E90)|BMW 320si]]'''
* Black (Lexan body available only in Europe through Carson)
* White (Lexan body available only in Europe through Carson)
===XMODS Evolution Transformers===
[[Image:XmodsBarricade.JPG|thumb|200px|Stock Xmods based on [[Transformers]]' [[Barricade (Transformers)|Barricade]]]]
In June 2007, RadioShack released two XMODS Evolution models to coincide with the release of the film ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]''. Unlike other XMODS, which came in reusable plastic cases, these models came in cardboard boxes. Special body and light kits were available for these models.
'''[[Bumblebee (Transformers)|Bumblebee]] (2009 [[Fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro#2006 Camaro Concept|Chevrolet Camaro Concept]])''' <ref>[http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2776071&cp=&pg=2&sr=1&origkw=XMODS&kw=xmods&parentPage=search RadioShack - XMODS Evolution Transformers Bumblebee] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928010746/http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2776071&cp=&pg=2&sr=1&origkw=XMODS&kw=xmods&parentPage=search |date=2007-09-28 }}</ref>
* Yellow with Black Stripes
* Optional accessory kit included a light kit, hood-mounted cannon, and door-mounted missile launchers.
'''[[Barricade (Transformers)|Barricade]] (2007 [[Saleen S281]] Police Car)'''<ref>[http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2776070&cp=&pg=2&sr=1&origkw=XMODS&kw=xmods&parentPage=search RadioShack - XMODS Evolution Transformers Barricade] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928010710/http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2776070&cp=&pg=2&sr=1&origkw=XMODS&kw=xmods&parentPage=search |date=2007-09-28 }}</ref>
* Black with White Doors
* Optional accessory kit included flashing lights for the light bar, headlight claws, and a hood-mounted missile launcher.
===XMODS Evolution Street===
The XMODS Evolution Street generation was confirmed in mid-2008 via RadioShack employee memos and were released on October of that year.  Compared to the previous XMODS Evolution generation, the Evolution Street had several differences:
* The RX/TX crystals were no longer removable and were soldered onto the electronics board and inside the controller.
* Foam inserts in the XMODS carrying box were replaced with thermoformed plastic.
* Mini-magazines were no longer included. Flame and XMODS decals were still included.
* Rubber was used to protect parts of the motor.
* Thicker plastic wheel bearings, reducing wheel wobble, a concern with older XMODS Evolution models.
* Rear A-Arms and motor cradle were reinforced.
* There were no body kit options for any of the cars. The bumpers and spoiler were molded onto the body of all of the cars.
In late 2010, the Evolution Street generation was discontinued.
'''2008 [[Nissan GT-R]]'''<ref>[http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?summary=summary&cp=2032062.2032402.2032407&accessories=accessories&custRatings=custRatings&support=support&techSpecs=techSpecs&productId=3348289&features=features&parentPage=family&currentTab=accessories&tab=custRatings RadioShack - XMODS Street Nissan GT-R] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411230323/http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?summary=summary&cp=2032062.2032402.2032407&accessories=accessories&custRatings=custRatings&support=support&techSpecs=techSpecs&productId=3348289&features=features&parentPage=family&currentTab=accessories&tab=custRatings |date=2009-04-11 }}</ref>
* Silver
'''1965 [[First-generation Ford Mustang|Ford Mustang]] '''<ref>[http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3307742&cp=2032062.2032402.2032407&parentPage=family RadioShack - XMODS Street Ford Mustang] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003224245/http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3307742&cp=2032062.2032402.2032407&parentPage=family |date=2008-10-03 }}</ref>
* Black
'''2008 [[Chevrolet Corvette C6#Z06|Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06]]'''<ref>[http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3368805 XMODS Street Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212001238/http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3368805 |date=2008-12-12 }}</ref>
* Atomic Orange
'''2008 [[Audi R8 (road car)|Audi R8]]'''[http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showpost.php?p=187917&postcount=9]
* Gunmetal
'''2010 [[Fifth-generation Ford Mustang#2010–present|Ford Mustang]]'''[http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17211]
* Burgundy
'''2009 [[Nissan 370Z]]'''[http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showpost.php?p=232145&postcount=20]
* Red
'''2009 [[Dodge Challenger#Third generation (2008–present)|Dodge Challenger SRT-8]]'''[http://www.xmodsource.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17681]
* Orange
===XMODS Micro RC===
[[Image:Xmodsmicrocamaro.JPG|thumb|150px|[[First-generation Chevrolet Camaro|Chevrolet Camaro]] SS]][[Image:Xmosdmicrocorvette.JPG|thumb|150px|[[Chevrolet Corvette C1|Chevrolet Corvette]]]]
Along with the release of the XMODS Evolution Street models, RadioShack relaunched the [[ZipZaps]] Micro RC line under the XMODS Micro banner. Aside from the new labels that bear the XMODS Micro RC logo, the packaging was similar to the ZipZaps line. All parts (e.g. motors, wheel covers, bodies, etc.) on the XMODS Micro line were compatible between ZipZaps and vice versa, with the exception of the 2009 models, which have one-piece wheels that do not allow the swapping of wheel covers. The cars use the traditional box-type controller, as opposed to the gun-type controller used in the ZipZaps SE line.
'''1959 [[Chevrolet Corvette C1|Chevrolet Corvette]]'''<ref>[http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3359033 XMODS Micro RC - 1959 Chevrolet Corvette] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220160437/http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3359033 |date=2008-12-20 }}</ref>
*Red
'''1967 [[First-generation Chevrolet Camaro|Chevrolet Camaro SS]]'''<ref>[http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3368796 XMODS Micro RC - 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220160442/http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3368796 |date=2008-12-20 }}</ref>
*Blue
'''2009 [[Nissan GT-R]]'''
*Silver
'''2009 [[Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X]]'''
*Red
===XMODS Generation 3===
In Fall 2013, RadioShack released a new XMODS with two brand-new chassis designs, touring and buggy.  The new models were 1:24 in scale as opposed to the previous generations' 1:28.  This generation of XMODS did not have licensing from any automotive maker.  In lieu of this, generic bodies were used along with bodies modeled after the Kamata SYNCi, Lucky & Wild Evolver, and Kamata RC410 from the [[Ridge Racer]] video game series.  New features include a 2.4&nbsp;GHz radio, a lithium-ion battery upgrade, and staggered tires.  Two other bodies are also available separately, one in a set with lights, and the other in a set with a "nitrous boost" ultracapacitor that allows a 3- to 5-second speed boost when a button on the controller is pressed.  Other upgrades that were available were extra tires, a high speed rear end, rear end with a faster motor, and an all wheel drive upgrade.  In 2015, the Generation 3 XMODS were discontinued.
==Modifications==
[[Image:Xmodsnissantitanservomod.JPG|thumb|200px|[[Nissan Titan]] Xmods with a [[Servomechanism|servo]] modification]]
XMODS can be extensively modified using parts supplied by RadioShack and other aftermarket vendors. The starter kits advertise the ability to change the motor, wheels, tires, trim kit, springs/shocks, and bearings (From nylon bushings to steel bearings), add lighting kits, and, in some generations, swap the [[Crystal oscillator|crystal]] to allow the cars to operate on multiple frequencies.
Tutorials for modifications are also available on various XMODS forum sites. In [[Japan]], HPI distributes XMODS, in [[Europe]] distributed by CARSON Modellsport, with the cars having the same colors as those offered in the [[United States|U.S.]] by RadioShack, but also some exclusive body colors and body tops not available to the US market.
Even though each model has a different body, all models in a particular line share the same or similar chassis. The most notable difference in the chassis is its length relative to its body top.  You can also add motor upgrades onto them for faster speeds.
While using non-RadioShack upgrades, it is possible to achieve up to and over 40 MPH.<ref>[http://www.atomicmods.com/Categories/QandA-1-28-XMODS-Generation-1.aspx XMODS Generation 1 Q&A] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330204432/http://www.atomicmods.com/Categories/QandA-1-28-XMODS-Generation-1.aspx |date=2012-03-30 }}</ref>
Some people have used [[Servomechanism|servo]] motors in their XMODS trucks to achieve higher torque, resulting in easier crawling, but with a very limited top speed.
People have replaced the stock electronics with hobby grade electronics to improve smoothness of the servo, improving the top speed, and range.
==References==
{{Reflist}}
*[http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/xmods/index.html HPI Racing - XMODS] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110021903/http://www.hpiracing.co.jp/xmods/index.html |date=2007-01-10 }}
*[http://www.carson-modelsport.de/de/produkte/xmods.htm German Distributor CARSON Modellsport - XMODS Gen.1] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327095122/http://www.carson-modelsport.de/de/produkte/xmods.htm |date=2008-03-27 }}
*[http://www.carson-modelsport.de/de/produkte/xmodsevolution.htm German Distributor CARSON Modellsport - XMODS Evolution]   {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080426001253/http://www.carson-modelsport.de/de/produkte/xmodsevolution.htm |date=2008-04-26 }}
*[http://www.carson-modelsport.de/de/produkte/xmodsevolution.htm German Distributor CARSON Modellsport - XMODS Evolution Cars]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621141954/http://www.carson-modelsport.de/de/produkte/xmodsevolution/evolutionfahrzeuge.htm |date=2008-06-21 }}
*[http://www.carson-modelsport.de/de/produkte/xmodsevolution/truckinfahrzeuge.htm German Distributor CARSON Modellsport - XMODS Evolution Trucks] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080523063210/http://www.carson-modelsport.de/de/produkte/xmodsevolution/truckinfahrzeuge.htm |date=2008-05-23 }}
==External links==
<!-- Links should conform to [[WP:EL]] That means links to forum and community sites are not appropriate. -->
*[http://www.xmodsrc.com/ Official XMODS website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070306172114/http://www.xmodsrc.com/ |date=2007-03-06 }}
[[Category:Radio-controlled cars]]
[[Category:Toy cars and trucks]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2003]]
[[Category:Hobby Products International]]